Hark the Herald Angels Sing
The Choir of St. Peter's Lyrics

The opening line of the song, "Hark! the herald angels sing," encourages listeners to pay attention and listen to the message being conveyed: "Glory to the newborn King". The idea is that heavenly angels are singing about the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the King that is being celebrated. The next lines, "peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" suggest that the birth of Jesus Christ is a moment of peace and reconciliation between mankind and God, which is why it is something that is being celebrated by the angels in heaven.

The chorus, "Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th’angelic hosts proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’" implies that the song is calling for everyone, regardless of their nationality, to join in the celebration of Christmas. The second verse of the song, "Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb," describes the divinity of Jesus Christ and how he came into the world through a wondrous and miraculous birth.

The third verse, "Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings," continues the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world, who brings light, life, and healing to all who follow him. The final verse, "Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give us second birth," suggests that the birth of Jesus Christ serves the purpose of giving mankind a second chance at redemption and eternal life.